Comic books, superheroes, and their story lines are more prominent in the media than ever before, first taking the silver screen by storm and now, TV. With the running successes of Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and recently The Flash, we decided to take a look at one of the highest rated comic book shows on TV, Arrow. You might think you know it all about this awesome CW comic series, but there are still some behind the scenes facts and trivia here that might surprise you.
Arrow is in its third season, having premiered in 2012, and follows Oliver Queen's exploits as the Green Arrow. We wanted to go through the little known facts, the stuff you may not know about this beloved series. Sure, we all know that Stephen Amell took up the Arrow mantle after Justin Hartley played the character on Smallville, but did you know that the actors who play Arrow and Firestorm are cousins?
Check out these facts and Arrow Easter eggs that you may have never known, and be sure to vote up the ones you think are the most shocking.
http://www.ranker.com/list/arrow-trivia/ranker-comics,
Speedy
In the comics, Green Arrow's sidekick, named Speedy, developed a heroin problem, leading to some of the most iconic Green Arrow issues ever. As a nod to this, Oliver refers to his sister, who also has a bit of a drug problem, as "Speedy."
John Diggle
Like Chloe Sullivan on Smallville, John Diggle was an original character created for the show that quickly became a fan favorite. Also like Ms. Sullivan, he was quickly adapted into the comic universe in DC's New 52.
What's in a name?
It's not until the second season that the actual "Green Arrow" moniker starts being tossed around. Throughout the first season, he's casually referred to as "the green hooded guy" or "the vigilante" and things of that sort. In the second season, the name Green Arrow sticks.
This castle is everywhere.
The Queens mansion exterior shots are filmed at the same castle they used to use as Luthor's castle on Smallville and also the Xavier School of Gifted Youngsters in X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand.
Atom's other super life.
Atom, The Flash, and Green Arrow, who are all featured on the show, are predominant members of the Justice League. The actor who plays Atom, Brandon Routh, played Superman, another founding member of the Justice League, in Superman Returns.
Hiding in plain sight.
The name of Oliver's club is Verdant, which means "of bright green color" and the large V above it resembles an arrow. Club Green Arrow... Someone's bound to put it all together... right?
Art imitates life.
For decades, the Green Arrow character in the comics had bright blonde hair, wore a small mask to hide his identity, and had a famous, large, bold goatee.
On the show, Arrow wears only a green hood (large enough to put his face in shadow) and wears dark green face paint resembling a mask (until the end of season two). When DC relaunched Green Arrow with the New 52, he looks much more like his TV counterpart.
Deardon's name origins.
The second Speedy (Green Arrow's sidekick) in the comics was named Mia Dearden. As a nod to this, they named Oliver's mother Moira Dearden Queen.
Sneaky call sign.
Quentin Lance, played by Paul Blackthorne, is identified by call sign Delta-Charlie 52 for the SCPD. This is a clear reference to not only the "DC" in DC Comics but also to their New 52 line.
The most well-read cops on television.
All exterior shots of the police headquarters are actually shots of the Los Angeles Public Library's headquarters and main branch.